Tragic events happening can make life depressing. Don't despair. Lots of good things happen to people! We must make the effort to be kinder and more respectful of each other. Here is a site that highlights stories about caring people that will hopefully "Make You Smile"!

If you have a story that you would like to contribute, please click on the link below to send us an email.

Amanda Robertson, York, EnglandI love Owen Sound, I have family over there and we came to a family wedding last summer. My husband - who had never been to Canada, but had had years of my incessant ramblings about how lovely the place is - fell in love with your Country right off. We are now applying for residency and hope to become true Canadians (eh?!) ;-)

Carrie Geberdt-Noade, Windsor, OntarioOwen Sound will always be the place I call 'home'! Although I currently live in Windsor, it is because of growing up in Owen Sound (and my wonderful family) that helped to create the person I am today.

One can never get home enough, but when we drive down the hill over looking the water, I truly feel complete. There is nothing better than Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market, (& the Chip Wagon too!) riding my bike up and coasting down those AWESOME hills. Reading the Owen Sound Sun Times from cover to cover (the articles are much more interesting than the Windsor paper or am I biased because I was a papergirl for 5 years?!) Spending all day at the Library, and then walking down to Phoenix Books to check out the bargains. Taking a walk down by the harbor and smelling the clean air (even if it has a faint fish smell to it!), or taking a Sunday drive to Balaclava to just enjoy the scenery. I can always walk downtown and bump into old friends who still remember my name.

Even after 15 years in Windsor, people will say to me... You're not from here are you? No...I always respond I'm an Owen Sounder living in Windsor!

My LOVE of snow (they don't know what snow is in Windsor!!), hills, nature and the outdoors convinces them of this.

You never truly realize how much you miss something until it is no longer in your life each day. That is why my future points north and I know someday (retirement!) I will be coming 'home' for good. Those who live in Owen Sound enjoy and treasure it because us, Owen Sounders, who can't get back as often as we like -- really think you are the lucky ones. I'll see you at the market ... soon! :)

Turd Furgeson, Halifax, Nova ScotiaMy wife and I spent 18 years in Owen Sound. I always enjoyed shopping downtown, all the shop owners were so nice. I got to know many of the people downtown and was pleasently surprised when they remembered me by name! Owen Sound is one of the most beautiful and welcoming communities I have ever encountered, and that's really saying something!

Sue Anne Rewbotham, St.Thomas, OntarioMy boyfriend and I have come to Owen Sound for the past couple of years for the fastball eliminations. We always have such a wonderful time and want everyone to know, Owen Sound is a beautiful and happy place to visit. Thank you for allowing us to have a mini vacation with such hospitality and kindness. We will be back on August 2,2002.

Eddie C., Oxnard, USAWhen I came to this community, I saw the endless blue sky, the foliage among the trees, and crystaline teal waters of its beaches. The town has given me a retreat from the city life, my worries ended, a rejuvenation from my ills, oh sweet ecstasy. Unfortunately I had to depart from this release. Although I mourn leaving, I will remain ever vigilant for i will return. I thank all of Owen Sound and its people.

Cindy L. Barna, Port Elgin, OntarioMy dearest friend of twenty years just lost her house to fire yesterday..she has two boys...and they lost everything..except for the clothes on their backs. I just wanted to thank the Port Elgin community, friends,family and strangers for coming together to show their support through the donations, kind words and loving support during this difficult time.

John W. Bott, CGA, Waterloo, OntarioI was looking for a place to express my gratitute to the businesses who helped me out. I was in the air on a business flight when the WTC in New York was attacked. I was left stranded, and would like to thank the following businesses for their assistance.

Billy Bishop Airport for their assistance and hospitality.

Travelodge Hotel, especially the generosity of Richards Restaurant.

Thrifty Car Rental.

All of these businesses deserve mention of the kindness and hospitality they extended in a time of crisis. There were many reports of businesses that took advantage of stranded people. Everyone I ran into in Owen Sound was the exact opposite, and waived at least some of their regular charges during my stay.Thank you again

Vern Smart, Owen Sound, OntarioThis was sent to me by a special niece and I thought it deserved a place your posting. Thanks, Vern.

TATERS
Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don't want to soil their own hands--they are called "Dick Taters"!
Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work-- they are called "Speck Taters"!
Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work-- they are called "Comment Taters"!
Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet--they are called "Agie Taters"!
There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing the promised help--they are called "Hezza Taters"!
Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not--they are called "Emmy Taters" !
Then there are those who love and do what they say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others--they are called "Sweet Taters"!

Doris and John Lyons, Chatsworth, OntarioOur local Owen Sound Friends; I have had for about 15 years running, ulcerated ankles caused by varicose vains and I think I have found the absolute cure! For anyone with the same problem, you may do as I have done, go to the "Dr. Robert C. Beck" page on practically any search engine, and you will find "The Silver Palser", a piece of electronic equipment that can cure this very common but painful state of your health. The unit can cure any blood related disease, and that includes AIDS! You can do this at home without doctors or any medical folks in attendence, for the nominal cost of only $1.32 per day. Now I realize you are going to be very warry of this statement but have absolutly no further questions...I am proving this is a true statement on a daily basis. Please download this man's audio and then you will understand the creative reality that this actually is! It is all sound and proven and is also patent registered as well. We are finding that absolutely everything this man says is true.

Maureen Klimez, Owen Sound, OntarioIt was a very windy day and a recycling box belonging to my neighbour blew over. The newspapers gleefully were caught up in the air currents and landed on other neighbour's lawns and into the street. What a mess! I knew the people who owned the box were not home so I decided to retrieve the papers, righted the box and neatly placed everything back as it was.

Doris Elaine Flowers, Owen Sound, OntarioI have played my accordion at various Nursing Homes and Day-A-Way Programs many times in the past 5 years and have brought music into the people's lives and seemed to make them a lot happier, taking them out of their doldrums!

Elizabeth Hampton, Owen Sound, OntarioI just stumbled onto this site. I think it is great! Recently I was fumbling for my coin to pay for "renting" a shopping cart at a well known store. A man returning his cart just said for me to take his, but refused the coin I offered him. "Just pass it on" he told me. Now that was nice!

Greta Olsen, Victoria, B.C.My husband and I recently were given this computer as a surprise to keep in touch with our grandchildren. They live in Owen Sound, we live in Victoria B.C. We like to see what's happening in Owen Sound. I think my son and his wife were very generous to do this and it has made us smile as we share our grandchildren's daily "reports". Thank goodness for email!

Jason & Jewel Steele, Port Elgin, OntarioMy wife and I own a store in Port Elgin called We Get You Movin' (Mobility Products for seniors and disabled). We hear first hand the frustrations the physically challenged have getting around. We decided to host an accessibility tour in Port Elgin. We donated the equipment and put on the event. It went well and opened a new perspective on local businesses and their accessibility. It has made a small impact so far, and we believe every town or city should do the same.

Mary Donald, EnglandWell I think I am doing a really good deed. I live in England and hope that somebody in Owen Sound can help me. My great uncle Lonsdale Hill came to Owen Sound in 1900ish with his wife Emily. He had two children, William, and I think Ethel. If anybody out there can help me it will be great. By the way, I think if I did win the pizza, it would be cold by the time I got it!. Thanks very much for listening. Good wishes, Mary Donald.

Jennifer Taylor, Holland Center, OntarioDuring the disasterous time following the death of a good friend and his 2 sons we gave smiles to the family by taking command of situations at the shop. We gave of our time and our hearts. We insured that they had no other worries. We followed very closely everything that happened and felt if we tried to lighten the load that it would help them. And it did. I know it did because whenever they saw us then or now they smile and say thank you.

Doris Elaine Flowers, Owen Sound, OntarioI have played my accordion at various Nursing Homes and Day-A-Way Program many times in the past five years and have brought music into the people's lives and seemed to make them a lot happier, taking them out of their doldrums!